Suburb / Locality · Area profile
The Rock
287 km²
The Rock is a rural community that has seen a notable increase in its older population and a growing number of children. It is a place where traditional Australian roots remain strong, with very few residents born overseas. The town is defined by a mix of generations, featuring a high proportion of seniors alongside a large number of families. This creates a community where home life is central and local volunteering is common.
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The population is older than the national figure, with 23.1% aged 65 and over. However, children under 15 make up 23.3% of the community, which is well above the New South Wales average of 18.2%.
The area is very traditional in its heritage, with 88.7% of people born in Australia. Only 4.3% were born overseas, a figure far below the national average of 27.7%.
English is the dominant language, used at home by 92.4% of residents. This means very few people use another language at home, at just 1.3%, which is far below the state figure.
Christianity is the most common affiliation at 60.3%. Those reporting no religion make up 31.3% of the community, which is well below the national figure of 38.9%.
Year 12 completion is far below the national average at 36.9%. Many adults hold a Certificate III or IV, which is the most common highest qualification at 39.4%.
Typical incomes are lower than most areas, with the usual weekly household income at $1,358. This is well below the New South Wales figure of $1,829.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 35.4% of people living with a long-term health condition. Mental health conditions are also well above the national figure at 12.5%.
Community spirit is high, with 20.3% of people volunteering, which is well above the national average. There is also a strong tradition of service, as 4.9% of residents served in the Defence Force.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 5.6% of the population, which is a little above the state average. The First Nations community is notably young, with a typical age of 21.
Homes are larger than usual, with 2.6 people per household. This is consistent with the high number of couples with children, who make up 56.6% of families.
The housing stock is dominated by separate houses, which make up 97.7% of homes. Ownership is strong, with 41.3% of homes owned outright, far above the national figure of 31%.
Cars are essential for travel, with 68.2% of people driving to work and very few using public transport. Only 3.1% of homes do not have a motor vehicle.
The community is relatively stable, as 32.5% of people moved in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent overseas arrivals make up 10.3% of the population.
Full-time employment is well above the national average at 62.5%. The main industries are health care and social assistance, followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing.
The area is only somewhat walkable, with a score of 4.1, well below the state average. This is reflected in the fact that only 37.3% of homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport.
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